Colors of the Spectrum: Beauty in Neurodiversity
Directed by Brandon Katcher and Ken Pontac, Produced by Suzanne Denebeim Atherly & Fax Bahr.
About the project:
A DOCUMENTARY ABOUT THE BEAUTY IN NEURODIVERSITY
Colors of the Spectrum gives us a front-row seat to the incredible experiences of neurodivergent students at Autistry Studios as they work on something truly special: a coloring book that invites us to see the world through the boundless creativity of people on the spectrum. Autistry Studios isn't just any place—it's an innovative therapeutic Makerspace where teens and adults get to explore, learn, and create.
The documentary follows these students as they team up with mentors to transform their personal journeys into art, challenging how we see neurodiversity and sparking curiosity along the way. But it's more than just art: it’s pushing past the edges, defying the template, defying the template and erasing the limits.
At the heart of the documentary is the creation of the coloring book, but what makes it shine are the stories of the people behind it. We’ll follow each student from that first spark of inspiration to their final designs, weaving in interviews and playful animation to give viewers a glimpse into their minds. It's all about capturing their creative energy, with scenes edited to reflect the lively, often unexpected ways neurodiverse students experience the world. You’ll see dynamic, fast-paced editing, quirky angles, and sound effects that shake up the screen alongside dreamy, slow-paced moments that draw you into their inner lives. In the end, it’s all about sharing their perspectives in a way that's colorful, layered, and full of life.
Why Fund?
Colors of the Spectrum is built to make an impact. By funding this documentary, you’re helping amplify the voices of neurodivergent individuals and shining a light on a community bursting with creativity, resilience, and innovation. The film serves as both an advocacy tool and an educational resource, highlighting the groundbreaking therapeutic model of Autistry Studios and showcasing the talents and potential of its students. Your support promotes social-emotional learning, helps destigmatize autism, and provides a replicable example of how creativity can drive connection and growth across communities. This is a story that challenges stereotypes, inspires inclusion, and redefines how we see neurodiversity—but we can’t tell it without you. Help us bring these students’ voices, talents, and dreams to screens around the world.
For a detailed breakdown of our budget and funding needs, please don’t hesitate to contact our team.